What to Do When Water Floods Your Carpet: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether it’s a sudden storm, a burst pipe, or a leaky appliance, water damage can wreak havoc on your home—especially if it seeps into your carpets. If you’ve experienced flooding in your Phoenix-area home, fast action is the key to saving your floors and preventing mold growth.

On-Target Floor Care is here to guide you through what to do immediately after your carpet gets soaked—and when to call in professionals for water extraction and restoration.

Understanding Water Categories: What Type of Water Are You Dealing With?

💧 Category 1 – Clean Water (Low Risk)

• Comes from sanitary sources like:

  • Broken water supply lines

  • Overflowing sinks or tubs (no contaminants)

  • Rainwater, melted snow, appliance malfunctions

• Initially safe but can become hazardous if left untreated or exposed to bacteria

Warning: Category 1 water can escalate to Category 2 or 3 quickly. Moisture combined with warm temperatures = rapid bacteria growth.

Before You Start Drying: Safety First

• Stop the source of the water (shut off valves or call a plumber)

• Turn off electricity in affected areas if outlets or wiring may be exposed

• Remove wet furniture and damaged belongings

• Avoid walking on the carpet to prevent moisture from settling deeper into the padding

Step-by-Step: How to Dry Wet Carpet

1. Extract Standing Water

• Use a wet-dry vacuum (no dust bags attached)

• Empty the tank regularly to prevent motor damage

• Repeat until the bulk of surface water is removed

2. Blot with Towels

• Use microfiber or absorbent cotton towels

• Press down gently across the wet areas

• Replace towels once saturated, and repeat until no more water is transferred

3. Increase Airflow

• Place fans evenly around the room (aim directly at the wet areas)

  • Centrifugal fans: High-pressure airflow, great for fast drying

  • Axial fans: Wide-area coverage, ideal if electrical capacity is limited

• Use a dehumidifier to draw moisture out of the air

• Open windows and doors (weather permitting) to allow natural airflow

4. Inspect the Subfloor

• Pull back the carpet at the corner and check underneath

• If the carpet padding is wet, it’s likely unsalvageable

• Replace padding to prevent mold, mildew, and odor issues

Why You May Need Professional Help

Water that’s sat for more than 24 hours or penetrated subflooring needs advanced drying and restoration tools. That’s where we come in.

Our 24/7 Water Extraction & Restoration Services Include:

• Fast-response water removal (visible + hidden moisture)

• Carpet padding removal and replacement

• Treatment for hardwood, tile, vinyl, natural stone, and laminate flooring

• Moisture detection in walls, baseboards, and insulation

• Deodorizing and sanitizing for bacteria, mold, and odor control

• Insurance coordination—we handle the claim process for you

FAQs

Can I save my carpet if it’s been wet for a few hours?

If you act within the first 12–24 hours, your carpet may be salvageable—especially if the water is Category 1. Beyond that, your padding and possibly your carpet will likely need replacing.

Do I need to replace the carpet padding?

If the padding is wet, yes. It retains moisture longer than carpet fibers and is highly prone to mold.

Can you detect hidden water in my walls or flooring?

Yes. We use specialized moisture meters to detect water in subfloors, drywall, and other areas invisible to the eye.

Emergency? We’re Available 24/7

On-Target Floor Care has the training, tech, and experience to fully restore your home after water damage. Whether it’s a storm, broken appliance, or plumbing failure, we’re ready to act—day or night.

📞 Call 480-977-1010
💻 Book emergency service at OnTargetFloorCare.com

On-Target Floor Care – Rapid Response. Real Results.
Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Cave Creek, and surrounding Arizona communities.